Bayelsa United head coach Meremu Okara has admitted relief after his side ground out a hard-fought 1–0 victory over fierce rivals Rivers United, insisting the Prosperity Boys are now focused on picking up more points as the season reaches its decisive stage.
READ ALSO: We Remain Focused on Winning the League — Rivers United Coach
Bayelsa United edged the South-South derby during Matchday 28 of the Nigeria Premier Football League on Sunday at the Samson Siasia Stadium, with the only goal coming via a 12th-minute own goal by Rivers United captain Temple Emekayi.
Speaking after the match, Okara described the contest as scrappy and tense, conceding that his team struggled for long spells.
“I don’t know how to describe this win. It was scrappy, with few chances, and the goal came early,” Okara said.
“Talking about relief, I’m very relieved because if I consider the way we played, especially in the first half, we really didn’t come to the party.”
The Bayelsa United coach noted some improvement after the break, as his side focused on containing their opponents and protecting their slim advantage.
“In the second half, we picked up a bit. I always knew it was a local derby and it was going to be very tough,” he added. “Because we usually get results against them, they came with everything today. They gave all they had, but we were able to contain them.”
Okara also brushed aside concerns about the playing surface, insisting it posed no problem to his players.
“We’re okay with the pitch. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it. Nobody complained during training or matches, so it’s very okay.”
The victory lifted Bayelsa United out of the relegation zone to 14th place on 31 points, easing the pressure as the league heads into its business end. Okara, however, stressed that survival alone is not the club’s only ambition.
“For now, we’ll take it one game at a time and keep picking our points,” he said. “My target is for the team to finish above 10th place. But if we can get higher, why not? If we win three or four games, why not?”
On the other side, the defeat saw Rivers United slip to second place on the table with 46 points, although their technical adviser Finidi George has maintained that their title ambitions remain intact.
For Bayelsa United, the derby win provides renewed belief as they look to build momentum and secure crucial points in the closing weeks of the season.
